The Gladiators - Galactic Circus Games is a self-style RTS ("real-time slaughter") and is the first offering by French studio Eugen Systems. Founded by two brothers, the studio's mission is to bring PC-gaming depth to the world of console games. Publisher Arxel Tribe is known for their lavish graphics and affinity for classic or literary themes, developing and publishing games such as The Ring (based on Richard Wagner's operatic magnum opus), Louvre, Pompeii, Faust and Jerusalem. The Gladiators - Galactic Circus Games features 18 single player missions and a variety of multiplayer modes including co-op, team and deathmatch play.

Synopsis

As the captain of a secret shuttle mission gone horribly awry, the player assumes the role of Major Greg Callahan, a human who finds himself in on a strange alien world awaiting public execution. This world is without a reigning monarch, however, as the previous ruler perished under somewhat dubious circumstances. As two formidable factions vie for control, the beautiful princess, daughter of the late ruler, seeks an alternate champion in Callahan. Tradition holds that the new ruler will be champion of the galactic arena, a vast stadium -The Galactic Circus- where contenders must vanquish all opposition. If Callahan is to come to the princess' aid, he must first defeat the forces of the mystic Fargass and the mechanical Maximix.

Gameplay

The Gladiators - Galactic Circus Games features 18 single player missions and a variety of multiplayer modes including co-op, team and deathmatch play.

Gameplay is action-oriented, with an emphasis on managing troops on a military mission. Those seeking resource-management best look elsewhere as there is nary a rock to be mined, an ear of corn to be reaped, or even so much as a peasant to be pushed. Tactical combat missions involve decisions such as where to best place troops for maximum effectiveness, and when to trigger that offensive power-up to tip the tide of battle.